We remember him as the sassy, scrambling quarterback of the Chicago Bears. Today, Jim McMahon struggles with dementia and depression – results of his head injuries from football, he says.

McMahon is part of a class-action lawsuit against the NFL. The league agreed to a $765 million settlement without acknowledging it hid the risks of concussions from former players. A federal judge in California has not approved the settlement, claiming the amount is insufficient.  

Many former players suffer from head injuries as well as injuries to the rest of their body. Sometimes players are not told of the medical findings or are not thoroughly examined when they are carried or limp off the field. The injuries last long after victory is won – or lost – at the game. The abuse must stop; the league must acknowledge their secrets that harmed these athletes and compensate them. The league cannot afford to pass.

(S-R archive photo: Former Chicago Bears player and head coach Mike Ditka.)

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